Preventing violence

[evangelist6589]

There have been some threads on violence here and always looking for tips to prevent it as I hit the streets often. The last troublemaker I showed him no fear and got the police and he took a ride to jail in a police car. Others I have showed no fear. I only walk on the streets around many people and only in daylight. Always have my phone as well. I try not to antagonize homosexuals or others as all sins lead to hell and the false teacher will have a hotter hell than the homosexual. What other tips to prevent violence and my safety?

Once I spoke to a person in self defense the way Jack Reacher did to a thug in that movie and he backed off. Tried to intimidate me and it did not work.

Jesus did say to have a sword and did encourage self-defense. I am not looking for trouble but people on the streets do not always like evangelists.

 

[RLBosley]

There have been some threads on violence here and always looking for tips to prevent it as I hit the streets often. The last troublemaker I showed him no fear and got the police and he took a ride to jail in a police car. Others I have showed no fear. I only walk on the streets around many people and only in daylight. Always have my phone as well. I try not to antagonize homosexuals or others as all sins lead to hell and the false teacher will have a hotter hell than the homosexual. What other tips to prevent violence and my safety?

Once I spoke to a person in self defense the way Jack Reacher did to a thug in that movie and he backed off. Tried to intimidate me and it did not work.

Jesus did say to have a sword and did encourage self-defense. I am not looking for trouble but people on the streets do not always like evangelists.

Of course I disagree with the bold, but I think that if we follow Jesus example and Paul's teaching we'll do alright.

Rom 12:14, 20-21 NASB Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ... "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.​

Once while witnessing in the inner harbor I was talking to a guy who I really thought was going to hit me. IIRC he actually did grab my arm or my shoulder at one point. He kept getting angrier and louder, blaspheming, but at the same time he was actually engaging in the conversation, just in a very angry way. It was weird. Anyway, long story short, I witnessed to him and God moved on me to have such compassion for him that I actually started crying for the guy right in front of him (not bawling, but a couple tears coming down). It totally caught him off guard and he became much more calm, and actually shook my hand when we finished, partly I believe because he saw I didn't' return his anger and I had real concern for him. I went away and prayed for him for a while. I have no idea what happened to him, I haven't seen him since, though that's not really a surprise, Baltimore is big.

 

[evangelist6589]

Of course I disagree with the bold, but I think that if we follow Jesus example and Paul's teaching we'll do alright.

Rom 12:14, 20-21 NASB Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ... "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.​

Once while witnessing in the inner harbor I was talking to a guy who I really thought was going to hit me. IIRC he actually did grab my arm or my shoulder at one point. He kept getting angrier and louder, blaspheming, but at the same time he was actually engaging in the conversation, just in a very angry way. It was weird. Anyway, long story short, I witnessed to him and God moved on me to have such compassion for him that I actually started crying for the guy right in front of him (not bawling, but a couple tears coming down). It totally caught him off guard and he became much more calm, and actually shook my hand when we finished, partly I believe because he saw I didn't' return his anger and I had real concern for him. I went away and prayed for him for a while. I have no idea what happened to him, I haven't seen him since, though that's not really a surprise, Baltimore is big.

Hmm.. I agree we need compassion but I also believe we need to be wise and not let people harm us if they try.

Luke 22:36,38English Standard Version (ESV)

He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.

38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

 

[HAMel]

While employed by the government (DOD) I would have others approach me often displaying extreme irate attitudes.

After a bit of their venting I'd ask, "What would you like for me to do to fix things for you"? Course, that wouldn't necessarily work for one in your line of ministry but then again...

 

[RLBosley]

Hmm.. I agree we need compassion but I also believe we need to be wise and not let people harm us if they try.

Luke 22:36,38English Standard Version (ESV)

He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.

38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Skipping verse 37 is the reason you fail to understand the passage. Also I never said that we should just "let people harm us." Regardless, your thread is not about the lawfulness of violence for Christians so I'll stop there. It's a good thread

While employed by the government (DOD) I would have others approach me often displaying extreme irate attitudes.

After a bit of their venting I'd ask, "What would you like for me to do to fix things for you"? Course, that wouldn't necessarily work for one in your line of ministry but then again...

I'm very surprised I never had anyone come up to me like that when I was in the military. Good response though.

Pro 15:1 NASB A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

 

[plain_n_simple]

There have been some threads on violence here and always looking for tips to prevent it as I hit the streets often. The last troublemaker I showed him no fear and got the police and he took a ride to jail in a police car. Others I have showed no fear. I only walk on the streets around many people and only in daylight. Always have my phone as well. I try not to antagonize homosexuals or others as all sins lead to hell and the false teacher will have a hotter hell than the homosexual. What other tips to prevent violence and my safety?

Once I spoke to a person in self defense the way Jack Reacher did to a thug in that movie and he backed off. Tried to intimidate me and it did not work.

Jesus did say to have a sword and did encourage self-defense. I am not looking for trouble but people on the streets do not always like evangelists.

Wolf, you are in the flesh.

The Holy Spirit is not leading you.

If you were being guided by the Holy Spirit, you would not be asking strangers what the Holy Spirit wants you to do.

If you believe you are being led by the Holy Spirit, you mock Him by asking strangers for His direction.

You are like the men who tried to cast out demons and got tore up.

When you say you showed no fear and then called the police, you deceive yourself son.

You were scared after you instigated, and then called for help.

The Holy Spirit does not operate this way.

Please reconsider before you or someone else gets hurt.

That is how you can prevent violence

 

[HAMel]

I'm very surprised I never had anyone come up to me like that when I was in the military. Good response though.

Sorry about that, RL..., I didn't adequately explain myself. Specifically, I was by this time a civilian working for DOD and assigned with a collateral duty that more often than not, brought me into the arena(s) of issues between Zoupervisors and Employees.

...daily life working DOD can very easy mimic a business meeting in some Baptist Churches. :wavey:

 

[righteousdude2]

Well

The Holy Spirit does not operate this way.

My Holy Spirit does work in supernatural ways, so I would have to disagree with you on this. I have had several incidents where the Holy Ghost did intervene on my behalf. Maybe you are a little to plain &simple when it comes to the manner God works. After all God sent an angel to free Peter from jail .... and there are other times God stepped in to protect His own. Maybe you don't like this brother and his methods but don't quash what God can and can't do....My God is mightier than what you have described! :godisgood:

 

[Rolfe]

There have been some threads on violence here and always looking for tips to prevent it as I hit the streets often. The last troublemaker I showed him no fear and got the police and he took a ride to jail in a police car. Others I have showed no fear. I only walk on the streets around many people and only in daylight. Always have my phone as well. I try not to antagonize homosexuals or others as all sins lead to hell and the false teacher will have a hotter hell than the homosexual. What other tips to prevent violence and my safety?

Once I spoke to a person in self defense the way Jack Reacher did to a thug in that movie and he backed off. Tried to intimidate me and it did not work.

Jesus did say to have a sword and did encourage self-defense. I am not looking for trouble but people on the streets do not always like evangelists.

Frankly, you seem like you are looking for trouble.

The best self-defense tactic is to put distance between yourself and the threat. In other words, walk away.

 

[Don]

Evangelist - I sent you a private message. Please let me know if you didn't receive it.

 

[Zaac]

Can someone close this thread? It's just weird.:wavey:

 

[corndogggy]

Once I spoke to a person in self defense the way Jack Reacher did to a thug in that movie

You're delusional.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwTIskS8Wf0

 

[Don]

Look, I'm not exactly sure what "the way Jack Reacher did in that movie" means (because, frankly, I think Tom Cruise is a poor actor, especially trying to be an action star; and while my father-in-law loves the Jack Reacher books, I haven't read any of them) ... but this is a valid topic.

How does your church handle rabble-rousers? There have been cases of people coming into a church simply to stand up and start espousing their disagreement during the service; do you bodily pick them up and send them flying out the door? How Christ-like is that?

What's the proper Christian response for situations outlined in the OP, or similar situations in our churches?

 

[corndogggy]

If you really want to know how to prevent it, well, quit street preaching. Don't confront or even say anything to or about people who you think needs it. Don't carry yourself like a wuss, keep your head up, don't dress like a metro or goober. Blend in with the crowd and don't stand out at all. Look people in the eye enough to be assertive but not enough to tick them off.

It seems to me that you're going to have a hard time with this though.

 

[Zaac]

Look, I'm not exactly sure what "the way Jack Reacher did in that movie" means (because, frankly, I think Tom Cruise is a poor actor, especially trying to be an action star; and while my father-in-law loves the Jack Reacher books, I haven't read any of them) ... but this is a valid topic.

How does your church handle rabble-rousers? There have been cases of people coming into a church simply to stand up and start espousing their disagreement during the service; do you bodily pick them up and send them flying out the door? How Christ-like is that?

Completely different question from the OP. The service is not the place for disagreement. If a person disagrees with what is being said, then get up and leave. But you don't cause disorder during the service. If so, we will escort you out and talk to you, but you will not be allowed to disrupt the entire service. There won't be any violence. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and adults will be able to have a conversation about the disagreement.

What's the proper Christian response for situations outlined in the OP, or similar situations in our churches?

These are apples and oranges. The OP is dealing with something taking place on the street. People can, for the most part say whatever they want on the street. But you are not allowed to go inside a house of worship and say and do whatever you wish.

You'll be treated lovingly, but disorder will not and should not be allowed in the church.

 

[Zaac]

Evangelist, I'm not sure if you are new at street evangelism or not. But in all of your threads and in the many questions you ask as they pertain to evangelism, I am always given the impression, not of someone who doesn't know what they are doing, but of someone who, though his heart and efforts may be well intended, is not pursuing evangelism in a manner suited for his personality.

Has God specifically called you to do evangelism or SPECIFICALLY street evangelism?

 

[Don]

Completely different question from the OP. The service is not the place for disagreement. If a person disagrees with what is being said, then get up and leave. But you don't cause disorder during the service. If so, we will escort you out and talk to you, but you will not be allowed to disrupt the entire service. There won't be any violence. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and adults will be able to have a conversation about the disagreement.



These are apples and oranges. The OP is dealing with something taking place on the street. People can, for the most part say whatever they want on the street. But you are not allowed to go inside a house of worship and say and do whatever you wish.

You'll be treated lovingly, but disorder will not and should not be allowed in the church.

By all means, please explain how you would lovingly escort someone out of the service -- especially if they don't want to go.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

By all means, please explain how you would lovingly escort someone out of the service -- especially if they don't want to go.

"Nothing to see here!"

 

[evangelist6589]

Evangelist, I'm not sure if you are new at street evangelism or not. But in all of your threads and in the many questions you ask as they pertain to evangelism, I am always given the impression, not of someone who doesn't know what they are doing, but of someone who, though his heart and efforts may be well intended, is not pursuing evangelism in a manner suited for his personality.

Has God specifically called you to do evangelism or SPECIFICALLY street evangelism?

Yep he has. My personality is generally more of a reader,teacher. However God changes things and it's not about me but about Him and reaching the lost. I have become quite good at this but much practice.

Satan does not want me on the streets as CS Lewis said in the screw tape letters he would rather have us in doors singing praises to God.

But I challenge you Zaac to read these books and to open your mind

The way of the master
Hells best kept secret

You need to be out reaching the lost and placing tracts everywhere and with anyone. You need to be out on the streets, at parks, at airports as I plan to do next week for my flight. I give tracts to everyone place them in the seats and I do all to reach the lost.

 

[evangelist6589]

Frankly, you seem like you are looking for trouble.



The best self-defense tactic is to put distance between yourself and the threat. In other words, walk away.

Not looking for any trouble. But do realize I have been followed or stalked and once I had a person get in my face and try and shove me around. I could not walk away from neither person and what I did was stood up to them and in once case got the cops.